A special note from Kristina, Program Director:
“I am obviously home from my site investigation, adventure in Costa Rica. Each week I am sharing each day’s exciting development as to not overwhelm you with the entire three week journey! What we have coordinated thus far with Sister Schools (Partners of the Americas is: three schools in Costa Rica connecting with two schools in Oregon and hopefully one school in Vermont for the 2012 KSW program. As I am writing this blog I am sitting in the back seat of my car in front of the public library in Montpelier, VT before meeting a friend for dinner. My followers and volunteers mean a lot to me!”-Kristina, Dedicated Program Director
Wednesday & Thursday-October, 5 & 6
Day 6: Pan-America School in San Antonio de Belen, Heredia
Lorena wanted me to see an upscale school in Heredia to have a clearer panorama of elementary education in Costa Rica. I was greeted by Caroline Magnus, Early Childhood Coordinator. Caroline gave me a quick tour of the school. Many of the students at Pan-America School come from upper class families. The facility was very friendly. The students are so used to teachers from the U.S. they did not notice me while I passed through the hallways. Children here receive one of the best educations Costa Rica has to offer.
Although, I will not be teaching at this school because it does not fit the profile Kids Share Workshops seeks to facilitate, I felt this was a valuable connection for me. Perhaps Pan-American School will be interested in including less fortunate educational communities for a possible afternoon workshop? Bringing children together from vastly different economic backgrounds could show children at a young age the value of sharing lives through compassion.
Day 7: Sistema Educativo San Isidor Labrador, Heredia
Upon entering this school we were greeted by a friendly faculty and quiet school. The children were in the classrooms. The administrator Cecilia Solis kindly gave us a tour of the school. Our first stop was a beautiful mural painting that was created by a famous Costa Rican Artist. It’s vibrant colors and depiction of well known birds was very inviting for any age. As we began to walk through the small, well laid out school I began to see more beautiful mural art by students and visiting artists.
The classrooms were on two floors with a very nice garden out front. The landscaping of this small area was warm and inviting with a sitting patio under a large tree. We noticed hidden, small vegetable gardens which were beginning to sprout.
When I was introduced to the students in every classroom, they were very friendly and well behaved! Lorena and I commented on this school having very well disciplined children.
Finally, I gave a presentation to the faculty. They enjoyed learning about KSW and showed a lot of interest in the enrichment program. I am working to coordinate this school with Sister Schools (Partners of the Americas) to cross culturally share with a sister school in Oregon for next winter. The art and English teacher will be able to assist me. They requested this program be taught during the school hours. Wish us luck!
Ps. You can see Don Ruff, the Chapter President in Oregon visiting this school after I had left. I was fortunate enough to have an afternoon with Don before leaving the next day to Vermont. Thank you Don for doing a wonderful job with connections!